Austin FC Academy seeks homegrown players

Austin FC’s development academy, Austin FC Academy, will launch in August with its Under 14 team, which will compete in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy 2019-20 season. Players born in 2006 or later are eligible and can complete a recruiting form here. Selected players will be invited to practice sessions in April and May to establish the team. Austin FC Academy will cover the costs of registration, uniform and travel fees for players and their families. All Major League Soccer clubs are required to operate developmental academy teams that compete at the highest level and offer top-tier training and coaching for aspiring young soccer players. Junro Narita, who has 12 years of soccer coaching under his belt, has been named head coach of the Austin FC Academy Under 14 team. Narita is the technical director at St. Stephen’s Soccer Academy and a former professional U.S. Development Academy and Japanese League coach. He said in the announcement, “Austin FC Academy will establish a clear playing identity that is attack-minded, possession-oriented, intelligent and creative. My personal belief is that soccer provides an outlet to youth to instill life lessons and values, and I look forward to starting a new journey with the most talented young players in the region.” For more information about Austin FC Academy, visit AustinFC.com.